Quicken Loans Become Title Sponsors of First College Basketball Game on Aircraft Carrier

Quicken Loans Inc., the nation’s largest online retail mortgage lender, announced it will be the title sponsor of the inaugural 2011 Carrier Classic, a first-of-its-kind basketball game to be played on a U.S. aircraft carrier honoring service men and women on Veterans Day, November 11, 2011.

The 2011 Quicken Loans Carrier Classic, an NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball match up between the Michigan State Spartans and the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, will tip-off the 2011 college basketball season.  The game will be played in front of 7,000 military personnel and spectators on the flight deck of the United States Navy Aircraft Carrier USS Carl Vinson, docked at Naval Base Coronado in the San Diego Harbor. ESPN will televise the event at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT).

Quicken Loans will partner with Morale Entertainment, the United States Navy, ESPN, Michigan State University and the University of North Carolina for this epic event.

Jay Farner, President of Quicken Loans, said: “We are extremely proud to be the title sponsor of the 2011 Quicken Loans Carrier Classic and to commemorate and honor the millions of American men and women who have valiantly served our country.”

“At Quicken Loans, it is our mission to provide an experience to our clients that is ‘Engineered to Amaze.’ Playing a basketball game on the United States Navy Aircraft Carrier USS Carl Vinson is truly amazing, which is why we are so excited to be a part of this historic game combining two powerhouse basketball programs, competing in an incredible environment, and providing national recognition for the amazing service of the active members of the military, veterans and their families.”

In 2011, Quicken Loans improved the financial situations of 10,832 active and retired military clients by providing assistance in purchasing or refinancing their homes.

Troops and veterans will be entertained and honored during this rematch of the 2009 NCAA Championship game. Hall of Fame basketball legends Magic Johnson of Michigan State University and Michael Jordan of the University of North Carolina will serve as honorary coaches for their respective alma maters.

Mike Whalen, Director of the Morale Entertainment Foundation, said: “We are excited that Quicken Loans has joined Morale Entertainment Foundation in honoring the service of the current members of the United States Armed Forces and in recognizing the service of the millions of veterans and their families who have gone before them.  Their participation as title sponsor will help make this inaugural 2011 Quicken Loans Carrier Classic a tremendous event.”

In honor of Veteran’s Day and millions of people who have served in the Armed Forces, Quicken Loans will also be making a donation to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, which provides financial, educational and other assistance to members of the Naval Services, family members and survivors.